Construction Techniques (HVAC, Welding, Plumbing, and Electrical)

About the Program

This unique 32-week program provides the student an introduction to a variety of skills in the construction field with each trade-specific component running 8 weeks in duration. Students study and practice in plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical trades. The program provides students with safety training (general and specific) and skills development in a number of construction areas. There is an opportunity via this program to strengthen math and communication skills to be considered for entry into other post-secondary, trade-related programs.

Tuition & Fees

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

Graduate Opportunities

Opportunities can be found in the residential and ICI (industrial, commercial, and institutional) sectors, into entry-level positions in the disciplines of study. Entry-level positions often lead to an apprenticeship.

On average, 83% of graduates from the last three years (2013 to 2015) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Program Courses

Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. Hours: 42Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This course will enable the student to create basic documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and websites and describe industry related apps. The student will also use technology to locate industry health and safety legislation, and training and certification requirements as would be required in the construction industry. Prior to this course, the student is expected to have a basic level of computer usage experience including navigating a Windows environment, manipulating files, using a word processer, and using an internet search engine.Hours: 32Credits: 2Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will be introduced to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning by studying the background of the trade as well as common hand and power tools used by an HVAC tradesperson. Residential, industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sectors will be discussed along with approaches needed to complete small scale HVAC projects. Hours: 48Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Through hands-on practice in a shop environment, students will apply the concepts studied in HVAC Mechanical System Theory by completing small scale HVAC projects. Students will be instructed on the proper use of common HVAC tools encountered on a construction site. Hours: 88Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This course will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of the oxy-fuel and electric arc-based welding and cutting processes. Topics covered include safety, principles of welding and cutting, and equipment set up and usage.Hours: 48Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This course will introduce the student to the oxy-fuel and electric arc based welding and cutting processes. Students will learn about the required equipment and demonstrate proper and safe set up procedures. Welding and cutting skill development will be practiced on mild steel using the above processes.Hours: 88Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students are introduced to the basic principles of drafting and blueprint reading, including how to create and read basic construction drawings.Hours: 16Credits: 1Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will be introduced to the electrical field by studying the background of the trade as well as common hand and power tools used by an electrician. The residential sector will be the focus of this module along with approaches needed to complete small scale electrical projects. Hours: 48Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: In this course, students will have an opportunity to install various residential devices and practice residential wiring techniques. The students will also have the opportunity to install basic electrical circuits, and various wiring methods. An emphasis will be placed on the proper and safe use of tools and testing equipment, as well as standard safety procedures. Hours: 88Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will be introduced to the plumbing field by studying the background of the trade as well as common hand and power tools used by a plumber. The residential sector will be the focus of this module along with approaches needed to complete small scaled plumbing projects. Hours: 48Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Through hands-on practice in a shop environment, students will apply the concepts studied in Plumbing Theory by completing small scale plumbing projects. Students will be instructed on the proper use of common tools encountered on a construction site specifically related to the plumbing trade. Hours: 88Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Program Outcomes

Employ tools and materials appropriate to their purpose and function and in keeping with safe work practices within the residential and ICI (industrial, commercial and institutional) sectors.

Relate ethical work practices to self as a tradesperson in the construction industry.

Solve construction industry problems by assessing the situation and applying mathematics and other problem solving tools and processes.

Communicate effectively with a variety of customers, clients and co-workers at the basic apprenticeship level and within the context of the particular trades sector.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For program information, call the Information Centre at 519-748-5220 ext 3656.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.